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Vinegar to the Rescue for Your Pet
By Vicki McClure Davidson
Vinegar is so inexpensive and versatile. There are so many ways you can use it with your pets—whether they're horses, dogs, or cats—to effectively save some money and make them healthier and more comfortable.
When using vinegar as a homemade remedy for the first time with your pet, follow the directions carefully. Watch your pet to be sure there is no adverse reaction. Vinegar is natural, has been in use for centuries, and there is usually not a reaction, but it's much better to err on the side of caution to confirm that your pet is not sensitive or allergic to it.
Pet's drinking water — Add a teaspoon of vinegar to your pet's drinking water to encourage a shinier coat and reduce odor.
Boost horse's urinary tract system, digestive system, and antibiotic health: Apple cider vinegar is highly regarded by horse owners for all that it does to maintain the health of their animals. It can be added to the horse's feed, or added to their water. Two to three ounces a day per horse is usually sufficient. In aiding the horse's antibiotic health, apple cider vinegar that is ingested is also believed to help the animal resist internal and external parasites and to relieve it of the symptoms of arthritis.
Keep flies off horses — Use a mixture of half white vinegar and half water (and an additional splash of Listerine is also recommended by some horse owners) in a spray bottle to squirt down your horse to repel flies. Flies don't like vinegar and this should do the trick to get them to leave your horse alone.
Remove skunk odor from pet's fur — Use straight white distilled vinegar to remove skunk odor from your pet's fur. Do this outdoors or in the bathtub.
Stop cats from scratching furniture — Sprinkle or spray vinegar on areas that you don't want cats scratching.
Fish bowl cleaner — Remove the water deposit in the fish bowl or tank by rubbing it with a cloth dipped in vinegar and then rinsing well.
Collicky horse — If a horse is collicky, try giving it about 2 cups apple cider vinegar. This helps stimulate the digestion system with its enzymes. Since apple cider vinegar is natural and safe, there is no danger of overdose.
Stops dogs from scratching themselves — Reportedly, applying apple cider vinegar to your dog's skin can soothe the dryness and stop the itching that is prompting the scratching. If this remedy doesn't work, you may need to take your dog to the vet to investigate the problem. (Note: A bath with a hefty amount of baking soda in it may also stop the itching).
Remove pet urine stains from carpets — Blot up the urine with a soft cloth, flush the area several times with lukewarm water, then apply a mixture of equal parts white distilled vinegar and cool water. Blot up, rinse, and let dry.
Reduce leg swelling — For reducing an animal's leg swelling, wrap the swollen leg in a small towel or rag soaked in apple cider vinegar. Then wrap the leg in plastic (Saran wrap or multiple plastic bags), secure the plastic with tape, and then wrap it with a sports fabric or Ace bandage to hold it in place. Leave it on the leg for four or more hours.
Clean parrot's cage: Some bird cages are made with galvanized hardware cloth, which is a type of wire. This can be harmful to parrots. Decrease the chance of poisoning by cleansing it. Wiping the entire cage with white vinegar on a cloth before use should take care of the problem.
Clean pets' cages — Mix half white distilled vinegar and half water in a spray bottle to clean pets' cages. It disinfects and deodorizes the cages, and is much cheaper to use than commercial products. Also, since vinegar is natural, potential health problems from using chemical-based products are eliminated.
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Related Reading:
A Splash of Thrifty Vinegar: Explanation of Types
Happier Dogs, Cats, Birds, & Fish: How to Avoid Making Costly, Frustrating, & Terrible Pet Purchase Mistakes
Choosing a Dog: Cheaper, Healthier Dogs, Mixed-Breed Mutts Becoming More Preferred Than Purebreds
The Do's & Don't's of Making Nutritious & Delicious (for Your Cat!) Cat Food at Home
What's the Buzz? Bee Safety and Inexpensive Bee Sting Treatments for Your Dog
Spend Less Money Treating Your Dog's Food Allergies | Special Dog Food Recipes, Breeds Prone to Allergies
Taking Care of Your Horse – The Frugal Way, of Course!
Saving Money on Feeding Your Horse: Feed Tips for Horse-At-Home (HAH) Owners
How to Save Money Boarding Your Horse
Sources:
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar for Horses website, (http://www.bragg.com/products/vinegarHorse.html).
How Stuff Works website, "Uses for Vinegar: Pet and Animal Care" (http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/uses-for-vinegar-pet-care-ga1.htm).
Lake, Adrianne, Horses and Ponies website, "Use of Apple Cider Vinegar in Horses and Ponies, (http://www.horses-and-ponies.com/health/acv.shtml).
The Vinegar Institute website, (http://www.versatilevinegar.org).